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Visual search characteristics of precise map reading by orienteers.
1Department of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Peerj
|September 10, 2019
Summary
Expert orienteers exhibit superior visual search strategies and cognitive advantages when navigating complex maps. Their route planning is more efficient, focusing on critical information like checkpoint details for better decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Sports Science
Background:
- Orienteering requires complex cognitive processes for map reading and navigation.
- Understanding visual search patterns is crucial for optimizing performance in orienteering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare eye movements and visual search patterns of orienteers across different skill levels.
- To explore the cognitive characteristics influencing orienteers' map information searches and route planning.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 44 orienteers (experts, advanced beginners, novices).
- Recorded behavioral responses and eye movement data during map reading tasks.
- Utilized maps of varying complexity (simple vs. complex).
Main Results:
- Map complexity significantly impacts route planning quality.
- Higher-skilled orienteers demonstrate superior route planning on complex maps (shorter planning time, longer gaze, concentrated attention).
- Experts show cognitive advantages in information retrieval, prioritizing checkpoint details for faster, more focused decision-making.
Conclusions:
- Expert orienteers possess distinct visual search strategies and cognitive efficiencies.
- Checkpoint description tables are critical for expert route planning and decision-making.
- Findings advance understanding of expertise, knowledge representation, and problem-solving in orienteering.
